Tim Wakefield continued the string of quality starts delivered by Boston's rotation. Unfortunately, for the Red Sox, Toronto's A.J. Burnett also maintained the streak of gems thrown against Boston. Wakefield allowed three runs and six hits over seven innings, but Burnett limited the Red Sox to no runs and three hits in 7.2 innings to lead the Blue Jays to a 3-0 victory and preventing the sweep at Fenway Park last night.
It was the fifth consecutive quality start (which is defined as no more than three runs over six or more innings) for the Red Sox. Over that span, Boston starters have allowed eight runs. In the same five games, the Red Sox have scored four runs. With that lack of offensive production, it is surprising that Boston has won two of the last five.
As the Red Sox prepare for a three-game weekend series at Fenway Park against the Tampa Bay Rays, it is time to reflect on the first full month of the season. Undoubtedly, this was the most unusual April in modern Red Sox history. After departing Ft. Myers almost two weeks earlier than normal, and traveling to Japan for two exhibitions and two regular season games, the Red Sox were understandably weary when they took two from Oakland to start the month and then drop all three in Toronto before finally returning to Boston.
Though the Red Sox dropped five in a row after racing to a 15-7 start, they finished April with a 17-12 record and atop the American League East. It was a remarkable feat considering all the team had to endure. The travel schedule was demanding enough, but the Red Sox also dealt with injuries that required trips to the disabled list (Mike Lowell, Alex Cora, Sean Casey) and the flu bug (that sidelined Jason Varitek and Daisuke Matsuzaka, and impacted almost everyone in the clubhouse). Hideki Okajima missed a stretch of games because of a stiff neck, and the same condition caused Josh Beckett to miss a start.
A team with less talent, depth and resilience would have limped into May with a sub-.500 record, but the Red Sox are stocked with talent, depth and resilience. Casey hit the ball so well that the Red Sox did not suffer with Lowell on the DL. Lowrie has filled in admirably for Cora and has shown that he is Major League ready. Brandon Moss has opened the eyes of Terry Francona and Theo Epstein. Chances are, at the very least Lowrie and Moss will open the 2009 season in reserve roles with the Red Sox. How about Justin Masterson, who held the Los Angeles Angels to a run and two hits over seven innings in his Major League debut? And what do you think of Beckett, Matsuzaka, Lester, Wakefield and Buchholz? This rotation is solid, and that is what wins championships.
There are, of course, reasons for concern about the Red Sox. David Ortiz is still below the Mendoza line, and his surgically repaired knee continues to give him problems. The bats has seemingly disappeared after scoring five or more runs in 10 straight games. Jonathan Papelbon is the only lights out member of the bullpen. Manny Delcarmen has struggled, Hideki Okajima has allowed too many inherited runners to score and David Aardsma has been somewhat impressive, but he walks too many batters. Mike Timlin, Javier Lopez and Julian Tavarez evoke fear in most Red Sox fans when they step on the mound.
There is no doubt that the Red Sox will start hitting again. From top to bottom, the lineup is too potent to be held down for much longer. The rotation will be a strength for the entire regular season and post-season. The shaky bullpen could be an issue for the remainder of the year, unless changes are made. Masterson would be well-suited for a Tavarez-like role. Craig Hansen would be more effective than Timlin or Lopez.
Likely, the bullpen will get another test this weekend. A Red Sox starter is due for an off night, so the relievers to respond. Boston is 17-13 and percentage points behind Tampa Bay. Now that April has passed, the flu bug is gone and Lowell is back, it is time for the Red Sox to charge further away from the .500 mark, and separate themselves from the rest of the American League East. For this to happen, the bats need to awaken, and the bullpen needs to give the team a string of games where it does not allow a run.
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